About Us

Agricultural Communication was first offered as a degree option at Purdue University in 1971. From its inception, the academic program has emphasized personalized student advising, flexible course options, and a solid foundation in science and agriculture. Over the past 50 years, more than 200 graduates of our program have served industry through successful careers in public relations, journalism, agribusiness, government, and marketing.

Purdue Agricultural Communication teaching staff (From left) The Purdue Agricultural Communication teaching group: Dr. Mark Tucker, Beth Forbes, Kevin Leigh Smith, and Dr. Linda Pfeiffer.
In our program, students learn from world-league faculty and instructors in the Purdue College of Agriculture and the Brian Lamb School of Communication. There are four members of our Agricultural Communication teaching staff.
Beth Forbes

Beth Forbes

Director of Science Communication and a Continuing Lecturer

Beth Forbes is the Purdue Agriculture Director of Science Communication and a Continuing Lecturer. She teaches ASEC 10100 (Agriculture, Science and Social Issues), ASEC 35500 (Controversial Science & Media in the Public Sphere, and ASEC 38500 (Communication Strategies for Controversial Issues in ANR). 

Forbes helps Purdue Agriculture faculty, staff, and students better communicate science information to the public.  

Linda Pfeiffer

Dr. Linda Pfeiffer

Associate Professor of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication

Dr. Linda Pfeiffer is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication. She teaches ASEC 35500 (Controversial Science & Media in the Public Sphere), ASEC 38500 (Communication Strategies for Controversial Issues Engagement), ASEC 48000 (Agricultural Communication Capstone Seminar), ASEC 48500 (Environmental Communication), ASEC 58500 (Science Communications), and other courses.

Dr. Pfeiffer's research interests center around the communication of complex science to the public.

Kevin Smith

Kevin Leigh Smith

Academic Advisor, Continuing Lecturer, and Communication Specialist

Kevin Leigh Smith is an Academic Advisor, Continuing Lecturer, and Communication Specialist. He teaches ASEC 28000 (Digital Storytelling), ASEC 38000 (Feature Writing and Production), AGR 12100 (Introduction to Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication Academic Programs), and ASEC 59500 (Internship in Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication).

Smith is the primary academic advisor for all incoming students. Please contact him if you have questions about the Agricultural Communication major — including Purdue 101/All Aboard, campus visits, and registration. Smith also is the person to contact if you wish to receive credit for communication internships.

Mark Tucker

Dr. Mark Tucker

Professor of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication and the coordinator of the Agricultural Communication program

Dr. Mark Tucker is a Professor of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication and coordinator of the Agricultural Communication program. He teaches ASEC 15200 (Agricultural Communication Seminar), ASEC 28500 (Introduction to Publication Design), ASEC 48000 (Agricultural Communication Capstone Seminar), ASEC 54600 (Communication and Issues Engagement for Agricultural Professionals), and ASEC 54800 (Communicating Science to the Public). Dr. Tucker holds a courtesy appointment in the Brian Lamb School of Communication

In addition to teaching, Dr. Tucker advises Agricultural Communication students and serves as faculty advisor to the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) student organization.